What Is Spin Reversal in Table Tennis?

Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Alex Horscroft

Spin reversal is a topic I see quite a lot of players get confused about, so in this brief post, I’m hoping to clear up what it means.

First things first, we have to understand how spin works.

How Spin Works

Rubbers with sufficient grip will produce standard spin (inverted rubbers). This is because they are grippy enough to CHANGE the existing spin on the ball to rotate in the opposite direction. 

As an example, in topspin rallies, both players are attempting to rotate the ball forward from their perspective. This causes the spin of the ball to change direction with each strike. The same is true in a pushing rally. 

The only time when the direction of spin doesn’t change with these rubbers is when both players are trying to hit the ball in the SAME direction. Think looping against chopping. 

Spin Reversal

Spin reversal occurs in rubbers that lack the grip to change the direction the ball rotates. The only rubbers that can do this well are long pips and antispin. 

So does that mean that these rubbers always reverse the spin on the ball? No. It doesn’t. 

Spin reversal only occurs for shots where a grippy rubber would change the direction of the ball. In other words, whenever a player with long pips/antispin hits the SAME shot as you (blocks are the exception).

In the diagram below, you can see an antispin rubber hitting a topspin shot against a topspin ball. Unlike inverted rubbers, it lacks the grip to CHANGE the direction of the ball. As a result, the existing spin on the ball continues. This reverses the spin on the ball compared with inverted, hence the name.

When these players push backspin balls, you get light topspin or no spin. Not backspin,

When these players drive topspin balls, you get light backspin or no spin. Not topspin.

You’ll also get spin reversal with blocks too. The topspin on the ball continues after the block meaning the inverted player will receive backspin or no spin.

Closing Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this quick write-up. Spin reversal isn’t nearly as confusing as people make it out to be. 

Spin reversal occurs only for shots where a grippy rubber would change the direction of the ball’s rotation. This is either when a long pips/anti player hits the same shot as you or when they block the ball.

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